Pair Arrested for Unauthorized Transfer of Export-Controlled Items

Pair Arrested for Unauthorized Transfer of Export-Controlled Items

FBI Special Agent in Charge Howard S. Marshall announces the arrest of Louis and Rosemary Brothers of Union, Kentucky, for offenses related to the unauthorized transfer of export controlled items. FBI Louisville received information from the State Department indicating Valley Forge Composite Technologies, a company owned and operated by Louis Brothers, provided International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restricted military grade electronic components to China. An arrest warrant was issued for the pair after a thorough investigation into the alleged activity.

The FBI works closely with the National Counterproliferation Center to investigate the serious threats posed by individuals and organizations that attempt to acquire sensitive and proprietary technologies. The proliferation of technology is a threat to our nation’s economy and to U.S. national security. The FBI is dedicated to detect, deter, and defeat the threat posed by state sponsored groups, individuals, and organizations attempting to illicitly acquire technology. Preventing this requires close coordination with other agency partners and the public. This arrest is an example of that close coordination between the FBI, State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security. Members of the public that have information about the transfer of technology, physical components, weapons, or other items that are protected by export controls should immediately report this information to the FBI.

Louis and Rosemary Brothers are considered to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.